More about Herbal Medicine

Is there any evidence for how herbal medicines work? 

It’s challenging to compile empirical data for herbal treatments for a lot of reasons. One of the reasons is that there is limited funding available for testing plant extracts that cannot be patented into a sellable drug. Another challenge is that some herbs have very distinct tastes (like chili, ginger or mint) so it is difficult to create a convincing placebo. Furthermore, herbs vary in their composition according to where they are grown, how and when they are picked, dried, stored, and processed, which causes variations in results from different studies. 

In the interest of safety, efficacy, and affordability, I only work with herbs that have significant evidence to back up their usage. I don’t make recommendations from anecdotal “data” or folklore. Not only is it unethical to do so, but it’s also usually wildly ineffective. If I’ve included something in a formulation for you, it means that there’s a scientific basis for it’s presence.

Can herbs be used alongside my current medication?

Most of the time, the answer is yes. There are only a few examples where this is not a good idea: St John's Wort, for example, speeds up the metabolism of certain drugs like the Pill, warfarin and statins. In fact, some herbs can even protect against the side effects of conventional medication. Turmeric has been shown to be beneficial in lessening the side effect of oral mucositis after head and neck radiotherapy. For this reason, we will always go over any medications you are currently taking during our consultation. I will always ensure that the herbs I recommend fit in with the medicines you're taking to minimize the chances of adverse interactions.

What are some issues herbal medicine can help manage?

Skin concerns like eczema, acne, dryness, psoriasis, burns, and wounds.

Physical issues such as pain, migraines, inflammation, arthritis, asthma, and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Internal imbalances like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, heartburn, high blood pressure, diabetes, urinary tract infections, venous disorders, heart disease, infertility and those brought on by menopause or pregnancy.

Mental challenges such as depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal ailments such as colds, flu, sinusitis, and tonsillitis.

What is your scope of practice?

Herbalists practicing in the United States are not licensed practitioners. The services I provide are not intended to replace the those of a licensed physician or other healthcare provider. I do not diagnose or prescribe treatments and am not trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disease according to the protocols of medical science.